Ballard 21st Century CLC program recognized as Kentucky 4-H Partners in Progress

The Ballard County 21st Century Community Learning Center program was recognized as one of the Kentucky 4-H Partners in Progress award winners at the group’s annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet in Lexington on January 30. Ballard 4-H Agent Paula Jerrell (far right) presented the plaque to (from left) Ballard Superintendent Casey Allen and 21st Century Coordinator Teresa Adami at an advisory council meeting on Feb. 17.

The award, introduced in 2000, recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations which provide in-kind contributions, financial support or other resources which make a difference in the 4-H program. The Ballard Extension Service’s 4-H program is a partner in both the middle/high school and the new elementary Ballard 21st Century programs.

Adami and Jana Story successfully wrote two additional 21st Century Learning Center grants this year, with Ballard County Elementary receiving an extension grant to take the program into grades 3-5 to fully serve the school, and BCMS/BMHS receiving a continuation grant that will keep the program going for another five years in our those sites.

Both grants get $75,000 a year in federal funding for the first three years, $67,500 for the fourth year, and $60,000 for the last year. Over the five-year period, each grant will put $352,500 into the district for after-school and summer services, for a total of over $700,000.

In here submission for the award, Jerrell said, “The Ballard County 21st Century grant program has been a wonderful partnership for our youth. Over the years we have been able to provide a variety of programs highlighting 4-H core curriculum and special programs…. Now we highlight nutrition through the SNAP-Ed program, and also have been able to have young 4-H teen volunteers peer-teach programming robots and using snap circuits through SET.”